As the 2026 Winter Olympics approaches in Milan-Cortina, the event is preparing to rely heavily on artificial snow for its tracks, continuing a trend seen in previous Olympic Games. Following the 2022 Beijing Olympics where the events were entirely conducted on artificial snow, the upcoming Games will similarly depend on this technology, with organizers estimating the production of around 2.4 million cubic meters of artificial snow. This use of manufactured snow, made from roughly 950,000 cubic meters of water, has been a longstanding practice in elite competitions and recreational skiing alike.

Artificial snow is preferred for several reasons, primarily its ability to ensure consistent performance conditions across various events. The experiences in past Olympics, particularly in Beijing, highlighted the effectiveness of artificial snow, albeit raising environmental concerns regarding water usage and sustainability. As climate change continues to impact snowfall in mountainous regions, the reliance on artificial snow is likely to increase, prompting discussions around the long-term viability and ecological footprint of such practices in winter sports.

Moreover, the reliance on artificial snow has implications beyond just the Winter Olympics; it reflects a broader shift in the winter sports industry and competition landscapes worldwide. As ski resorts and venues adopt this technology for reliability and controllable conditions, future sporting events may similarly prioritize artificial solutions in response to our changing climate. The evolving approach underscores the need for a balance between sporting excellence and environmental stewardship as the discussion around sustainability in snow sports gains traction.